Ope Ajayi is a Nigerian film producer and promoter. He is the founder and CEO of Cinemax Distribution Limited and Captain of the Sea Productions.He is the executive producer of the film Queen Lateefah, the highest grossing September release in Nigeria, produced in partnership with Wumi Toriola. He is also the co-executive producer of the films Brotherhood, Ada Omo Daddy and Thinline, in partnership with actress and producer Mercy Aigbe. He has licensed many successful films to multiple platforms such as Sista by Biodun Stephen, and Silence by Yemi Filmboy Morafa.
Ope Ajayi is a Nigerian film producer and promoter. He is the founder and CEO of Cinemax Distribution Limited and Captain of the Sea Productions. Ajayi is the executive producer of Queen Lateefah, produced in collaboration with Wumi Toriola. He also serves as the co-executive producer for the films Brotherhood, Ada Omo Daddy, and Thinline, working alongside actress and producer Mercy Aigbe. Additionally, he has licensed numerous films to various platforms, including Sista by Biodun Stephen and Silence by Yemi Filmboy Morafa.
Early life and education
Ope Ajayi was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He completed his secondary education at the International School, University of Lagos, and earned a degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Lagos. He is also an alumnus of the Lagos Business School.
Career
Ajayi spent his early career working in the financial services sector before moving to Genesis Cinemas.
Ope Ajayi was appointed executive director at Genesis Group. In July 2022, he was elected as the National President of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria.
Filmography
| Year | Tittle | Major cast | Role | Reference |
| 2022 | Brotherhood | Tobi Bakre, Folarin Falana, Toni Tones, Ronke Oshodi Oke | Co - Executive producer | |
| 2023 | Ada Omo Daddy | Mercy Aigbe, Omowunmi Dada, Nkechi Blessing, Sola Sobowale | Co – Executive producer / Producer | |
| 2024 | Queen Lateefah | Wumi Toriola, Kunle Remi, Fathia Williams, Femi Adebayo | Co - Executive producer / Producer | |
| 2024 | Thin Line | Mercy Aigbe, Uche Montana, Nkechi Blessing, Uzor Arukwe | Co - Executive producer / Producer | |
| 2025 | The Party | Kehinde Bankole, Shaffy Bello, Uzor Arukwe, Mide Martins | Executive producer and Producer |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Reference |
| 2023 | Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Movie West Africa | Brotherhood | Won | |
| Best Overall Movie | Nominated | ||||
| 2024 | Best of Nollywood Awards | Best Cinematography | Ada Omo Daddy | Nominated | |
| Best Social Message | Nominated | ||||
| Best Editing | Nominated | ||||
| Best Costume | Nominated | ||||
| Best Sound | Nominated | ||||
| Director of the year | Nominated | ||||
| Best use of food | Nominated | ||||
| Best Actress | Nominated | ||||
| Best Supporting Actress | Nominated |
References
- Okeke-Korieocha, Ifeoma (2024-10-05). "How Ope Ajayi is transforming film distribution in Nigeria through Cinemax". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
- ShockNG (2023-01-29). "Ope Ajayi Exits Genesis, Launches New Distribution Start up "Cinemax" (Exclusive)". ShockNG. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
- "Wumi Toriola Set to Release First Cinema Film Queen Lateefah". Nollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
- Dan-Awoh, Deborah (2024-11-12). "Queen Lateefah grosses N333.7 Million, Enters Nollywood's top box office rankings". Nairametrics. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- Oloruntoyin, Faith (2023-11-27). "Love becomes chaotic in Mercy Aigbe's star-packed 'Ada Omo Daddy' trailer". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
- Udodiong, Inemesit (2023-05-20). "Biodun Stephen's 'Sista' lands official release date on Prime Video". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
- Oloruntoyin, Faith (2023-11-27). "Love becomes chaotic in Mercy Aigbe's star-packed 'Ada Omo Daddy' trailer". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
- Dan-Awoh, Deborah (2024-10-09). "Wunmi Toriola's "Queen Lateefah" hits N150 Million at Nigerian box office". Nairametrics. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
- Mix, Pulse (2023-09-05). "Cinemax announces long awaited cinematic, eyegasmic murder mystery 'The Party'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-28.
- ^ Ayobami, Owolabi (2024-10-14). "Mercy Aigbe Elated As Her Debut Cinema Movie "Ada Omo Daddy" Receives 10 Nominations For BON Award". Information Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-10-28.